Combination apparatus including extruder and supply for making annular bodies with an annular filling

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for simultaneously extruding a raw annular dough ring and an annular filling therewith. A generally cylindrical filling extrusion mechanism, in communication with a pressurized source of filling, is contained within and surrounded by a generally cylindrical dough-extrusion mechanism which is in communication with a pressurized source of dough. The apparatus has an automatic programmed control in operative relation therewith for controlling the filling rates, duration of operation and relative times of initiation of the dough and filling extrusion cycles thereby permitting various relative orientations of the filling and the dough. The apparatus is readily assembled and dismantled for cleansing and maintenance and is compatible with existing equipment requiring only slight modification thereof.

United States Patent Kaufman et al.

[ Jan. 14, 1975 COMBINATION APPARATUS INCLUDING [75] Inventors: I-IaroldB. Kaufman, New York;

Howard Roth, Bronx; John P. McCarthy, College Point, L.I., all of NY.

[73] Assignee: DCA Food Industries Inc., New

York, NY.

[22] Filed: Oct. 11, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 405,467

Related U.S. Application Data [62] Division of Ser. No. 239,078, March29, 1972, Pat.

[52] U.S. Cl. 425/155, 425/381 [51] Int. Cl. ..A21c 11/16 [58] Field ofSearch 425/132, 155, 287, 288, 425/381 [56] References Cited UNITEDSTATES PATENTS 2,176,989 10/1939 Carpenter 425/288 2,625,891 l/l953Nagel 425/288 2,840,012 6/1958 Giles 425/288 2,966,126 12/1960 Adams425/288 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,184,667 3/1970 Great Britain425/288 Primary ExaminerR. Spencer Annear Attorney, Agent, or FirmAmster& Rothstein [57] ABSTRACT An apparatus for simultaneously extruding araw annular dough ring and an annular filling therewith. A generallycylindrical filling extrusion mechanism, in communication with apressurized source of filling, is contained within and surrounded by agenerally cylindrical dough-extrusion mechanism which is incommunication with a pressurized source of dough. The apparatus has anautomatic programmed control in operative relation therewith forcontrolling the filling rates, duration of operation and relative timesof initiation of the dough and filling extrusion cycles therebypermitting various relative orientations of the filling and the dough.The apparatus is readily assembled and dismantled for cleansing andmaintenance and is compatible with existing equipment requiring onlyslight modification thereof.

11 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures FATENTED 3.860.373

SHEET 30F 4 FIG. 7.

iPArimfu-Jm 4525 3 86 0. 373

sum u or 4 FIG. 9. D

COMBINATION APPARATUS INCLUDING EXTRUDER AND SUPPLY FOR MAKING ANNULARBODIES WITH AN ANNULAR FILLING This is a division, of application Ser.No. 239,078 filed Mar. 29, 1972, now US. Pat. No. 3,807,919, whichissued Apr. 30, 1974.

The present invention relates generally to a machine for the manufactureof an extruded food product of two different foodstuffs, and inparticular to an extruder for simultaneously extruding a dough ringhaving an annular filling useful in the filling of doughnut-shaped products with jelly, creme or other food compositions.

In a typical machine for manufacturing a dough ring or annulus, there isa dough-extruding mechanism which includes a stationary nozzle bodyterminating in a nozzle opening and defining a chamber adapted to beconnected in communication with a dough source. A cutter sleeve ismounted on the nozzle body and is movable relative thereto; and a cutterdisc arranged coaxial with the cutter sleeve is mounted on the nozzlebody for movement relative to both nozzle body and the cutter sleeve.The cutter disc is normally spaced from and below the nozzle opening todefine a radially outwardly opening dough-extrusion orifice, with thecutter sleeve being normally disposed to close the dough-extrusionorifice. The movement of the cutter disc and the cutter sleeve relativeto the nozzle body is effective to selectively open the dough-extrusionorifice for extruding a predetermined quantity of dough into a ring orannulus; and as the cutter sleeve moves to close off the doughextrusionorifice, the ring or annulus is completed and cut and then may be thefurther processed, as by being baked or fried.

Although methods and apparatus have been suggested for enclosingfillings in an annular configuration within a dough ring or annulus,such methods and apparatus do not meet the multiple requirements forcommercially acceptable extruders. In accomplishing filling simultaneouswith extrusion of the raw product from the cutter, it would be highlydesirable to achieve such simultaneous functions with but minimalmodification of existing doughnut-manufacturing equipment. Further, theresulting apparatus should be of a construction which is readilyassembled and dismantled and is easily cleaned and maintained inaccordance with recognized sanitary codes. Further, it should besufficiently flexible to handle a wide variety of product fillings, toprovide controlled filling rates per unit product, to attain variousorientations of the filling relative to the dough ring and to facilitateease of automatic continuous operation, yet exhibit the requisiteproduction flexibility and achieve the overall objectives ofdependability, safety, simplicity of design and economy of construction.1

Broadly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a machinefor the manufacture of an extruded food product of two differentfoodstuffs which realizes one or more of the aforesaid objectives.Specifically, it is within the contemplation of the present invention toprovide an extruder for simultaneously extruding a dough ring having anannular filling in which both the weight and shape of the dough ring andfilling and their relative locations to each other can be programmed andreadily controlled such that a wide variety of doughnuts and liketorroidal products can be manufactured with such equipment.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an extruderwhich simultaneously extrudes a dough product having a filling which canbe constructed with minimal modification of existing doughnut equipmentand satisfies the practical requirements for such equipment includingease of assembly and disassembly, facility for cleaning and maintenancein accordance with sanitary codes, dependability, safety, simplicity indesign and economy of construction.

In accordance with an illustrative embodiment demonstrating objects andfeatures of the present invention, there is provided a machine for themanufacture of an extruded food product of two different foodstuffs,such as a dough ring containing a filling of jam, jelly, creme or thelike. The machine includes a first pressurized tank adapted to receive asupply of the first foodstuff and a second pressurized tank adapted toreceive a supply of the second foodstuff. First extruding mechanisms areprovided including a nozzle body having a first chamber in communicationwith the first tank and a cutter mechanism having a cutter sleeve and acutter disc movably mounted on the nozzle body relative to each otherand coacting with each other and the nozzle body to define a radiallyoutwardly opening first extrusion orifice. The cutter sleeve and thecutter disc normally close the first extrusion orifice and progressivelyopen the same in response to their relative movement. Second extrudingmechanisms having outer and inner concentric shell members coact todefine a second chamber within the first chamber. The second chamber isin communication with the second tank. Means mount the shell members forrelative movement, with the shell members coacting with each other whenopened to define a radially outwardly opening second extrusion orificegenerally confronting the first extrusion orifice. The shell membersnormally close the second extrusion orifice and progressively open thesame in response to their relative movement. A programmed controller isprovided for selectively actuating the first and second extrudingmechanisms. By appropriately programming such controller, the severalparameters of interest may be selected by the machine operator to makeproducts of different relative shapes and geometries.

The above brief description, as well as further objects, features andadvantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated byreference to the following detailed description of a presentlypreferred, but nonetheless illustrative embodiment in accordance withthe invention, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. I is an elevational view, with parts in section, of an extruderconstructed in accordance with the present invention for simultaneouslyextruding a dough ring having an annular filling, the extruder beingshown in the closed or normal position thereof;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 2-2 ofFIG. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view, on a reduced scale, showing the exteriorof the extruder including its conventional cutter-actuating mechanism;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary section similar to FIG. 1 showing the extruderat the start of an extrusion cycle at the beginning of the formation ofan elemental dough ring and prior to the commencement of fillingthereof, with the cutter sleeve having progressed upwardly from itsnormal position closing the dough extrusion orifice;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 4 but with theextrusion having progressed to the point where the cutter sleeve hasmoved upwardly to fully open the dough-extrusion orifice and the innershell member with cutter disc has moved downwardly to initiate extrusionof the filling into the forming dough rmg;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to FIG. 5, with theextrusion having progressed to the point where the filling has beencompleted and the cutter sleeve having commenced its downward stroke tosub stantially complete the doughnut ring;

FIG. 7 is a diagramatic and schematic view of the overall extrudingmachine and its'programmed controller;

FIG. 8 is a timing diagram for the dough and filling extrusion phases ofa typical cutting or operating cycle intended to produce a substantiallyconcentric filling within the dough ring, as illustrated in the typicalcrosssection to the right of the figure;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 but showing a timing diagram forproducing a doughnut having an eccentric or inwardly displaced filling,as shown at the right in the figure;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 8 but showing a timing diagram forproducing a doughnut having a teardrop filling, as shown in the typicalcross-section at the right; and,

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 8, but showing a timing diagram toproduce a doughnut having a partially exposed filling, as shown in thetypical cross-section at the right of the figure.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, anextruder for extruding a dough ring R having an annular filling Fembodying features of the present invention. The extruder 20 includes acylindrical elongated nozzle body or head 22 supported in a stationaryposition in any convenient fashion, as on the frame or chassis of themachine. At its upper end, the nozzle body 22 is formed with anoutwardly directed mounting flange 22a which carries a nozzle-mountingcoupling 24 which is internally threaded at 26 for attaching theextruder 20 to the outlet end of a pressurized dough-supplying tank 28(see FIG. 7). At its lower end, nozzle body 22 terminates in a nozzleopening 22b; and contiguous to such nozzle opening, there is provided anundercut 220 which facilitates the mounting and positioning of thefillingextruding mechanisms, to be subsequently described.

The nozzle body 22 defines an elongated doughreceiving chamber 30 andextending within the chamber 30 (which is filled with dough D frompressurized tank 28) there is provided a pneumatically-actuated cutterdisc assembly which includes an axially extending cutter stem 32 whichsupports a cutter disc 34 at its lower end. Cutter disc 34 is attachedto the stem 32 by the usual fastening nut 36 andis dimensioned to coactwith a cutter sleeve 38 which is mounted on the nozzle body 22 formovement relative to both the nozzle body 22 and cutter disc 34. Thecutter stem 32 is mounted within nozzle body 22 on a pneumatic actuatingmechanism, generally designated 40, which includes an air cylinder 42having a piston chamber 44 which is closed at its upper end by aremovable threaded air cylinder seal or plug 46. The air cylinder 42 isremovably mounted within the upper end of the nozzle body 22 by therespective connecting and coupling members 48, 50 having threadednipples 48a, 50a engaging mounting flanges (i.e., flange 42a) which alsoare used to introduce air to the upper and lower ports 52,54 of thepiston chamber 44, as is generally understood. Air is introduced throughair line or pipe 56 and the connecting or coupling member 48 to theupper port 52; and in similar fashion air is introduced through air lineor pipe 58 and the connecting and coupling member 50 to lower port 54.Within the piston chamber 44 there is mounted the usual piston 60 havinga sealing ring 60a which is displaced through the requisite stroke bythe selective introduction of air into the upper and lower ports 52, 54.Depending from piston 60 is a piston rod 62 which via piston rodconnector 64 and appropriate threaded couplings (not shown) supportsdepending cutter stem 32 and cutter disc 34. By the controlled andselective introduction of air into the pneumatic actuating mechanism 40,cutter disc 34 and the mechanisms associated therewith may be movedthrough a downward disc stroke (i.e., by introducing air into upper port52 and connecting lower port 54 to atmosphere); and similarly, cutterdisc 34 may be moved through an upward disc stroke (i.e., by admittingair to lower port 54 and connecting upper port 52 to atmosphere). In thenormal or starting position for an extrusion or cutting cycle, air isadmitted to lower port 54, to maintain the cutter disc 34 in itsuppermost position as illustrated in FIG. 1.

The reciprocating cutter sleeve 38 is moved through an upward cutterstroke (compare FIGS. 1 and 4) and a downward cutter stroke (compareFIGS. 6 and l) by conventional cutter-actuating mechanisms 66, seen bestin FIGS. 3 and 7. The cutter-actuating mechanisms 66 include acircumferentially-grooved follower collar 68 mounted on the upper end ofcutter sleeve 38 and connected via a double-arm lever 70 centrallypivoted at 72 to a double-acting piston and cylinder 74. The arm 70a oflever 70 which extends toward follower 68 is bifurcated and carriesdiametrically opposed follower rollers 75 engaged within follower collar68. The other arm 70b of lever 70 is connected at pivot 78 to the pistonrod 74c which projects from piston head 74b within the cylinder 74a ofthe pneumatic actuating means 74. When air is introduced into the lowerend of cylinder 74a, piston 74b is driven upwardly and the cutter sleeveis in the starting position illustrated in FIG. 1. In this normal orstarting position, sleeve 38 closes the dough-extrusion orifice DOdefined between cutter disc 34 and the nozzle opening 22b. When thelower end of cylinder 74 is ported to atmosphere and air is introducedinto the upper end of cylinder 74a, piston 74b is driven downwardly tomove cutter sleeve 38 through its upward stroke to progressively exposethe doughextrusion orifice DO, as may be seen by comparing FIGS. 1 and4. When the cutter sleeve 38 again moves through its downward stroke, asmay be appreciated by progressively comparing FIGS. 6 and l, theextruded dough ring R which has been progressively formed as shown inFIGS. 4, 5 and 6, is completed and falls from the lower end of extruder20, as shown in FIG. 1.

Disposed within the nozzle body 22 is an internal filling-extrudingmechanism, generally designated by the reference numeral 76, whichincludes a stationary outer shell member 78 and a movable inner shellmember 80. The shell members 78, 80 cooperate to define a verticallyextending, elongated annular fillingreceiving chamber 81 which receivesthe filling F. The outer and inner shell members 78, 80 terminaterespectively at their lower end in upper and lower radially andoutwardly extending orifice-defining flanges 78a, 800 which are disposedone above the other and are arranged to normally abut and close thefilling-extrusion orifice FO which they define, as shown in FIGS. 1 and4. In response to the downward movement of inner shell member 80 and itsorifice-defining flange 80a, the filling-extrusion orifice F0 is openedand the filling F is extruded therefrom, as may be appreciated bycomparing FIGS. 4 and 5. As the movable orifice-defining flange 80amoves downwardly relative to stationary orifice-defining flange 78a, thevertical extent of the filling-extrusion orifice FO progressivelyincreases, with the maximum opening being determined by the extent ofthe downward stroke of the cutter disc 34 with which movable inner shellmember 80 moves by virtue of the connection to the piston rod connector64.

Turning now to the specific construction of the internalfilling-extruding mechanism 76, it is seen that the outer shell member78 is formed with a filling-inlet port formed by a radially andoutwardly extending internal threaded flange 78b which is seated againstthe inner wall of nozzle body 22. Flange 78b is mounted by theconnecting and coupling member 82 which has a threaded nipple 82aextending through the nozzle wall and engaged with an appropriateinternal thread on the port-defining flange 78b. Connecting member 82also couples feed line 84 to the filling-receiving chamber 81, whichfeed line in turn is connected via manually operated hand control valve86 and manifold 88 to a pressurized filling-supply tank 90 (see FIG. 7).

Projecting radially outwardly from the outer shell member 78 are aplurality of spacers 92 which are fixed to shell member 78 and seatedwithin undercut 22cat the lower end of nozzle body 22. The spacers 92,which are three in number (see FIG. 2) stabilize and support the outershell member 78. Additionally, outer shell member 78 is formed with anintegral inwardly extending top flange 780 which cooperates with theinner shell member 80 to close the top of the chamber 81. The top flange78c is provided with a central opening 78d sized to receive the movableinner shell member 80 which has a body section 80b of a greater verticalextent than outer shell member 78 and is suspended from the piston rodconnector or head 64 by its reduced and relieved away neck section 80cand an appropriate threaded coupling. The inner shell member 80 may beprovided with outwardly extending positioners or spacers 94 (see FIG. 2)which ride along the inner wall of outer shell member 78 incident tomovement of inner shell member 80 relative to outer shell member 78. Bythe described construction, it will be appreciated that the componentsof the extruder can be readily assembled and dismantled. For example,since nozzle body 22 is of uniform circular section, it can be readilyinserted through the nozzle flange 24. Thereupon, outer shell member 78may be assembled over inner shell member 80 and this sub-assembly can beattached to the piston rod connector 64, as by the threaded coupling.Thereupon the pneumatic actuating mechanism 40, the sub-assembly of theinternal filling-extruding mechanism 76, the cutter stem 32 and cutterdisc 34 may be assembled within the nozzle body with the various fixedcomponents being secured in place by the connecting and coupling members48, 50, 82.

Preliminary to describing the remainder of the machine including theprogrammed controller shown in FIG. 7, it will be helpful to review theoperation of the dough-extruding and filling extruding mechanisms. Atthe start of a typical cutting or operating cycle, the dough chamber 30within nozzle body 22 is filled with dough D under pressure, with suchdough filling the inner and outer annular spaces between nozzle body 22and stem 32, both at the inside and outside of the internal annularfilling-extruding mechanism 76. Also, the filling-extruding mechanism 76has its annular chamber 81 appropriately loaded with filling F likewiseunder pressure. The dough-extruding orifice D0 is closed due to therelative position of cutter disc 34 and cutter sleeve 38, with thecutter disc 34 being at the upper extremity of its stroke and the cuttersleeve 38 being at the lower extremity of its cutting stroke (see FIG.1). With cutter disc 34 at the upper end of its stroke, the movableinner shell member is likewise in its uppermost position closing thefilling-extrusion orifice F0 which confronts and is coextensive with thedough extrusion orifice DO.

In response to operation of the cutter-actuating mechanism 66, thecutter 38 moves through its upward stroke, as indicated by thedirectional arrow in FIG. 4, whereupon the dough D under pressure withinchamber 30 begins to extrude radially outwardly through the orifice DOand to form the elemental shape of the dough ring R. Then, when cutterstem 32 is moved downwardly to move cutter disc 34 and the inner shellmember 80 through the downward stroke in response to the appropriateporting of the pneumatic actuating mechanism 40, the filling orifice F0opens, as may be appreciated by progressively inspecting FIGS. 4 and 5,and the filling F is extruded into the elemental dough ring underformation. In a sense, the internal fillingextruding mechanism 76provides a clam-shell action as it progressively opens its radiallyextending filling orifice which extends substantially in a transversemedial plane in relation to the dough ring under formation. When therequisite amount of filling F is extruded into the elemental dough ring,the filling orifice F0 is closed by moving the inner shell member 80with cutter disc 34 upwardly, as may be appreciated by comprising FIGS.5 and 6. The upward movement of cutter disc 34 contributes toward theshaping and formation of the elemental dough ring at its under side.Upon closing of the filling orifice F0 and upon movement of the cuttersleeve 38 through its downward stroke, as indicated by the directionalarrow in FIG. 6, the dough ring is completed with its internal fillingF. The dough ring R then drops from the closed cutter disc and sleeve38, as is generally understood. In general, it will be appreciated thatby the appropriate timing of the opening and closing of thedough-extruding orifice DO and the fillingextruding orifice F0 andcontrolling their respective durations, it is possible to control thevolume of the dough ring, the volume of the filling, the disposition ofthe filling relative to the dough ring and the overall shape of theproduct.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 7, there is shown in diagrammetic andschematic form the overall extruding machine and its program controlincluding the novel extruder 20, the respective pressurized tanks 28,for the two different foodstuffs and the cutter actuating mechanism 66,all as previously described. The pneumatic system for the machineincludes a main air supply line 96 fed from any convenient source whichis connected over pressure control valve 98 and branch line 100 topressurized tank 90, over pressure control valve 102 and branch line 104to pressurized tank 28 and over pressure control valve 106 and branchline 108 to solenoid controlled three way valve SVl for the doubleacting piston and cyliner 74 of the cutter actuating mechanism 66.Branch line 108 is also connected to solenoid controlled three way valveSV2 for the double acting piston and cylinder 40 within the nozzle body22 which is controlled over air lines 56, 58 (see FIG. 1). The valve andpneumatic control positions in FIG. 7 correspond to the showing inFIG. 1. Accordingly, solenoid controlled three way valve SVl ispositioned to introduce air via branch line 110 to the lower end ofcylinder 74a to maintain the cutter sleeve 34 in its downward position(see FIG. 1) and solenoid controlled three way valve SV2 is positionedto connect branch line 108 over line 58 to the lower port 54 ofpneumatic control 40 to maintain the cutter disc 34 in its uppermostposition in which the filling-extrusion orifice F is closed.-

Turning now to the associated electrical control, terminals 114, 116 areconnected to an appropriate source of alternating current, such as anavailable 115 volt AC power supply. In turn, terminals 114, 116 areconnected to lines 118, 120, with main control switch SW1 being providedin line 118. In a typical installation, the extrusion cycle is initiatedwhen switch SW1 is closed by the provision of a fryer-controlled switchFS illustrated as a double pole single throw switch. In atypicalcommercial installation, fryerv control switch FS is closed by a cam 120on a drive shaft 122 of the fryer which signals the extruder (ormultiple extruders in tandem) to provide one or more extrusions to theflight of the fryer conveyor disposed therebeneath.

For clarity of description, the operation of the electrical control willbe separated into the cycle for actuating the cutter sleeve 38 and thecycle for operating the cutter disc 34 and internal filling extrusionmechanism 76. However, the sequence of opening and the dwell times forboth the cutter sleeve 38 and the cutter disc 34 and inner shell member80 may be adjusted independently in accordance with the illustrativeexamples which will be described in conjunction with FIGS. 8 through 11and variants thereof as will be generally understood by those skilled inthe art. Connected over one pole of fryer switch FS is relay R1 whichupon being energized, closes normally open contact R18 to operatesolenoid controlled three way valve SV1 which ports the pneumaticcontrol 74 of the cutter-actuating mechanism 74 to move the same throughits upward stroke from the FIG. 1 position to the FIG. 4 position. Also,relay contact RlA closes in response to energiza tion of relay R1, andover normally closed contact R3A, completes a holding circuit forv relayR1 notwithstanding the opening of fryer switch FS; and this holdingcircuit is disrupted by opening of normally closed contact R3Aassociated with relay R3. Simultaneously, with the energization of relayR1 over one pole of fryer switch FS, a second relay R2 is energizedwhich, over contact R2A starts timer T1 which is set to establish thedesired dough-extrusion interval. When timer Tl times out, as adjustedfor the particular product specification, it provides a pulse signalwhich energizes relay R3 connected across lines 118, 120 over timer T1which opens normally closed relay contact R3A which is in series withholding contact RlA for relay R1. Thus, when timer T1 times out, relayR1 is deenergized to return solenoid controlled three way valve SVl tothe illustrated position whereupon cutter sleeve 38 is moved through itsdownward stroke from the FIG. 4 position to the FIG. 1 position to endthe dough extrusion interval of the particular cycle. Upon opening ofholding contact RlA and contact RIB, which connects solenoid controlledthree way valve SVl across lines 118, 120, the cutter sleeve 38 is againclosed as a result of the corresponding operation of the solenoidcontrolled three way valve SVl.

Now considering the filling extrusion cycle, it will be appreciated thatupon closing of fryer switch FS, relay R4 is energized. Relay R4 isconnected across lines 118, 120 over the upper pole of fryer switch FS.Relay R4 closes normally open contact R4A to start the timer T2 whichdetermines the interval during which the filling-extrusion mechanism 76remains closed or in its dwell position. When timer T2 times out, itprovides a pulse signal which momentarily energizes relays R5 and R6which are connected across lines 118, 120 over timer T2. Uponenergization of relay R5, a holding circuit for the relay is completedover normally open contact RSA and normally closed contact R7A. Also inresponse to energization of relay R5, contact RSB, which is normallyopen and is connected in series with the solenoid controlled three wayvalve SV2 across lines 118, 120, is closed to actuate the solenoidcontrolled valve SV2. As previously described, this lowers the innershell member 80 to open the filling-extrusion orifice F0 and also lowersthe cutter disc 34. In response to energization of relay R6, whichoccurs at the same time as energization of relay R5, timer T3 is startedby closing of normally open relay contact R6A. Timer T3 is set toprovide the requisite duration for the filling interval; and when timerT3 times out, it provides a pulse signal which momentarily energizesrelay R7. Relay R7 has normally closed contact R7A in the holdingcircuit for relay R5. Thus, in response to opening of contact R7A, andnotwithstanding the fact that contact RSA was previously closed inresponse to energization of relay R5, relay R5 is opened. This, in turn,opens contact R58 and deenergizes solenoid controlled three way valveSV2 to raise the inner shell member 80 to close the filling-extrusionorifice F0 and also to raise cutter disc 34.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that the essential operatingparameters for the present extruder may be controlled as follows. First,the rate of production is established by the frequency of the cuttingand filling cycles, namely the time intervals between the closing offryer switch PS. This is determined in the first instance by fryercapacity (i.e., rate of travel of the conveyor flights of the fryerbeneath the one or more extruders). Second, the product extrusion may bevaried in accordance with the following parameters: (a) shape of boththe inner and outer components; (b) quantity of material in eithercomponent; (0) relative position (i.e., concentric, off-axis orpartially exposed) of the inner and outer components; and ((1)crosssectional configuration of the individual components and of theoverall product. The several product parameters are affectedinterrelatedly by the following process parameters which may beindependently adjusted by the operator:'(a) opening mode of the cuttersleeve and/or inner shell member; (b) dwell time of the cutter sleeveand/or inner shell member; closing mode of the cutter sleeve and/orinner shell member; (d) stroke length of the cutter sleeve and/or innershell member; (e) relative opening times for the cutter sleeve and innershell member; and (f) overlap of the cutter sleeve. Further variationsmay be achieved by varying extrusion pressure applied to either theinner or outer components of foodstuffs and of course by varying theextrusion characteristics of such components or foodstuffs.

In FIGS. 8 to 11 inclusive there are illustrated timing diagrams for thedough and filling-extrusion phases of typical operating cycles intendedto produce the corresponding geometries and orientations shown at theright of each such timing diagram. Referring first to FIG. 8, thecutting cycle starts when fryer switch FS and relays R1, R2 and R4close. The dough-extrusion interval or phase continues for the timeinterval T1 and is terminated upon energizing of relay R3. Thefillingextrusion starts at a delayed time determined by the setting oftimer T2 and is brought about by energizing relay R5. The actualfilling-extrusion interval is determined by the setting of timer T3 andis initiated by energization of relay R6 and is subsequently terminatedin response to energization of relay R7 when timer T3 times out. In theFIG. 8 timing diagram, it is seen that the filling-extrusion interval issubstantially equally spaced relative to the commencement of theextrusion interval or phase and the termination thereof. Accordingly,the corresponding geometry results for the doughnut type productillustrated at the right.

In the illustrative timing diagram of FIG. 9, it will be appreciatedthat the setting of timer T2 is somewhat shortened such that the fillingextrusion interval commences at a time earlier in the operating cyclethan for the condition illustrated in FIG. 8. Since the remainingparameters are the same, the overall shape of both the dough and thefilling are the same as in the FIG. 8 illustration, but the filling isoffset inwardly as compared to FIG. 8.

In the FIG. 10 illustration, the setting of timer T3 and the closing ofthree way valve SV2 are such that the resulting filling extrusion is oftear-shaped cross-section and of diminishing extent from the innercircumference of the extrusion toward the outer circumference thereof.

Finally, in the FIG. 11 illustration, the setting of timer T2 and timerT3 is such that the filling orifice opens prior to the dough-extrusionorifice such that the filling is formed at the inner circumference ofthe resulting product.

From the foregoing illustrative timing diagrams, it will be appreciatedthat innumerable relative shapes and orientations of the dough and thefilling may be achieved by the simple expedient of setting the controlsand that a corresponding wide variety of products may be formed by thepresent machine.

A latitude of modification, change and substitution is intended in theforegoing disclosure and in some instances some features of theinvention will be used without a corresponding use of other features.Accordingly, it is appropriate that the claims be construed broadly andin a manner consistent with the scope and spirit of the inventionherein.

What I claim is:

l. A machine for the manufacture of an extruded annular food product oftwo different foodstuffs comprising a first tank adapted to receive asupply of a first foodstuff, a second tank adapted to receive a supplyof a second foodstuff, first extruding mechanisms including a nozzlebody having a first chamber in communication with said first tank to befilled with said first foodstuff and a cutter mechanism including atleast a cutter disc coacting with said nozzle body to define a radiallyopening first extrusion orifice, second extruding mechanisms mountedwithin said nozzle body and having outer and inner concentric shellmembers coacting to define a second chamber within said first chamberand in communication with said second tank to be filled with said secondfoodstuff, said shell members coacting with each other to define asecond extrusion orifice which is annular and opens radially inwardly ofsaid first extrusion orifice, said shell members being positioned insaid nozzle body such that said second extrusion orifice is insubstantially the same plane as said first extrusion orifice duringextrusion of said first foodstuff through said first extrusion orificefor extruding said second foodstuff, and a programmed controller forselectively extruding through said first and second extrusion orificesincluding means for commencing the extrusion of said first foodstufffrom said first extrusion orifice to partially form the elemental shapeof said annular food product, means for extruding said second foodstufffrom said second extrusion orifice for a predetermined time interval tointroduce an annulus of said second foodstuff within said elementalshape and means for actuating said cutter mechanism after a furtherpredetermined time interval during which the continued extrusion of saidfirst foodstuff from said first extrusion orifice completes said annularfood product.

2. A machine for the manufacture of an extruded food product of twodifferent foodstuffs comprising a first pressurized tank adapted toreceive a supply of a first foodstuff, a second pressurized tank adaptedto receive a supply of a second foodstuff, first extruding mechanismsincluding a nozzle body having a first chamber in communication withsaid first tank to be filled with said first foodstuff and a cuttermechanism having a cutter sleeve and a cutter disc movably mounted onsaid nozzle body relative to each other and coacting with each other andsaid nozzle body to define a radially opening first extrusion orifice,said cutter sleeve and cutter disc normally closing said first extrusionorifice and said cutter sleeve being movable relative to said cutterdisc to progressively open said first extrusion orifice in response totheir relative movement, second extruding mechanisms having outer andinner concentric shell members coacting to define a second chamberwithin said first chamber and in communication with said second tank tobe filled with said second foodstuff, means mounting said shell membersfor relative movement, said shell members coacting with each other whenopened to define a radially opening second extrusion orifice which opensradially inward of and generally confronts said first extrusion orifice,said shell members normally closing said second extrusion orifice andprogressively opening the same in response to their relative movementand a programmed controller for selectively actuating said first andsecond extruding mechanisms.

3. A machine according to claim 2 wherein said programmed controllerincludes a first adjustable timer for establishing the time periodduring an operating cycle in which said first extrusion orifice remainsopen.

4. A machine according to claim 3 wherein said programmed controllerincludes a second adjustable timer for establishing the time period whensaid second extrusion orifice opens in relation to the start of anoperating cycle.

5. A machine according to claim 4 wherein said programmed controllerincludes a third adjustable timer operable in response to timing out ofsaid second timer for establishing the time period during which saidsecond extrusion orifice remains open.

6. A machine for the manufacture of an extruded product of two differentmaterials comprising a first tank adapted toreceive a first extrudablesupply, a second tank adapted to receive a second extrudable supply,first extruding mechanisms including a nozzle body having a firstchamber in communication with said first tank to be filled with saidfirst material and a cutter mechanism having a cutter sleeve and acutter disc movably mounted on said nozzle body relative to each otherand coacting witheach other and said nozzle body to define a firstextrusion orifice, said cutter sleeve and cutter disc normally closingsaid first extrusion orifice and opening the same in response to theirrelative movement, second extruding mechanisms having outer and innermembers coacting to define a second chamber within said first chamberand in communication with said second tank to be filled with said secondmaterial, inner member being in fixed spaced relation with said cutterdisc, means mounting said outer and inner members for relative movement,said outer and inner members coacting with each other when opened todefine a second extrusion orifice, said outer and inner members normallyclosing said second extrusion orifice and opening the same in responseto their relative movement and a programmed controller for selectivelyactuating said first and second extruding mechanisms.

7. A machine according to claim 6 wherein said programmed controllerincludes a timer for establishing the time period during an operatingcycle in which said first extrusion orifice remains open.

8. A machine according to claim 6 wherein said programmed controllerincludes a timer for establishing the time period during an operatingcycle in which said second extrusion orifice remains open.

9. A machine for the manufacture of an extruded annular food product oftwo different foodstuffs comprising a first tank adapted to receive asupply of a first foodstuff, a second tank adapted to receive a supplyof a second foodstuff, first extruding mechanisms including a nozzlebody having a first chamber in communication with said first tank to befilled with said first foodstuff and a cutter mechanism including atleast a cutter disc coacting with said nozzle body to define a radiallyopening first extrusion orifice, second extruding mechanisms mountedwithin said nozzle body and having outer and inner concentric shellmembers coacting to define a second chamber within said first chamberand in communication with said second tank to be filled with said secondfoodstuff, said shell members coacting with each other to define asecond extrusion orifice which is annular and opens radially inwardly ofand generally confronts said first extrusion orifice, said shell membersbeing positioned in said nozzle body such that said second extrusionorifice is substantially surrounded by said first foodstuff duringextrusion thereof through said first extrusion orifice and a programmedcontroller for selectively extruding through said first and secondextrusion orifices including means for commencing the extrusion of saidfirst foodstuff from said first extrusion orifice to partially form theelemental shape of said annular food product, means for extruding saidsecond foodstuff from said second extrusion orifice for a predeterminedtime interval to introduce an annulus of said second foodstuff withinsaid elemental shape and means for actuating said cutter mechanism aftera further predetermined time interval during which the continuedextrusion of said first foodstuff from said first extrusion orificecompletes said annular food product.

10. A machine according to claim 9 wherein said programmed controllerincludes a timer for establishing the time period during an operatingcycle inwhich said first foodstuff is extruded from said first extrusionorifice.

11. A machine according to claim 10 wherein said means for extrudingsaid second foodstuff includes an adjustable timer for establishing thetime period during an operating cycle in which said second foodstuff isextruded from said second extrusion orifice.

1. A machine for the manufacture of an extruded annular food product oftwo different foodstuffs comprising a first tank adapted to receive asupply of a first foodstuff, a second tank adapted to receive a supplyof a second foodstuff, first extruding mechanisms including a nozzlebody having a first chamber in communication with said first tank to befilled with said first foodstuff and a cutter mechanism including atleast a cutter disc coacting with said nozzle body to define a radiallyopening first extrusion orifice, second extruding mechanisms mountedwithin said nozzle body and having outer and inner concentric shellmembers coacting to define a second chamber within said first chamberand in communication with said second tank to be filled with said secondfoodstuff, said shell members coacting with each other to define asecond extrusion orifice which is annular and opens radially inwardly ofsaid first extrusion orifice, said shell members being positioned insaid nozzle body such that said second extrusion orifice is insubstantially the same plane as said first extrusion orifice duringextrusion of said first foodstuff through said first extrusion orificefor extruding said second foodstuff, and a programmed controller forselectively extruding through said first and second extrusion orificesincluding means for commencing the extrusion of said first foodstufffrom said first extrusion orifice to partially form the elemental shapeof said annular food product, means for extruding said second foodstufffrom said second extrusion orifice for a predetermined time interval tointroduce an annulus of said second foodstuff within said elementalshape and means for actuating said cutter mechanism after a furtherpredetermined time interval during which the continued extrusion of saidfirst foodstuff from said first extrusion orifice completes said annularfood product.
 2. A machine for the manufacture of an extruded foodproduct of two different foodstuffs comprising a first pressurized tankadapted to receive a supply of a first foodstuff, a second pressurizedtank adapted to receive a supply of a second foodstuff, first extrudingmechanisms including a nozzle body having a first chamber incommunication with said first tank to be filled with said firstfoodstuff and a cutter mechanism having a cutter sleeve and a cutterdisc movably mounted on said nozzle body relative to each other andcoacting with each other and said nozzle body to define a radiallyopening first extrusion orifice, said cutter sleeve and cutter discnormally closing said first extrusion orifice and said cutter sleevebeing movable relative to said cutter disc to progressively open saidfirst extrusion orifice in response to their relative movement, secondextruding mechanisms having outer and inner concentric shell memberscoacting to define a second chamber within said first chamber and incommunication with said second tank to be filled with said secondfoodstuff, means mounting said shell members for relative movement, saidshell members coacting with each other when opened to define a radiallyopening second extrusion orifice which opens radially inward of andgenerally confronts said first extrusion orifice, said shell membersnormally closing said second extrusion orifice and progressively openingthe same in response to their relative movement and a programmedcontroller for selectively actuating said first and second extrudingmechanisms.
 3. A machine according to claim 2 wherein said programmedcontroller includes a first adjustable timer for establishing the timeperiod during an operating cycle in which said first extrusion orificeremains open.
 4. A machine according to claim 3 wherein said programmedcontroller includes a second adjustable timer for establishing the timeperiod when said second extrusion orifice opens in relation to the startof an operating cycle.
 5. A machine according to claim 4 wherein saidprogrammed controller includes a third adjustable timer operable inresponse to timing out of said second timer for establishing the timeperiod during which said second extrusion orifice remains open.
 6. Amachine for the manufacture of an extruded product of two differentmaterials comprising a first tank adapted to receive a first extrudablesupply, a second tank adapted to receive a second extrudable supply,first extruding mechanisms including a nozzle body having a firstchamber in communication with said first tank to be filled with saidfirst material and a cutter mechanism having a cutter sleeve and acutter disc movably mounted on said nozzle body relative to each otherand coacting with each other and said nozzle body to define a firstextrusion orifice, said cutter sleeve and cutter disc normally closingsaid first extrusion orifice and opening the same in response to theirrelative movement, second extruding mechanisms having outer and innermembers coacting to define a second chamber within said first chamberand in communication with said second tank to be filled with said secondmaterial, inner member being in fixed spaced relation with said cutterdisc, means mounting said outer and inner members for relative movement,said outer and inner members coacting with each other when opened todefine a second extrusion orifice, said outer and inner members normallyclosing said second extrusion orifice and opening the same in responseto their relative movement and a programmed controller for selectivelyactuating said first and second extruding mechanisms.
 7. A machineaccording to claim 6 wherein said programmed controller includes a timerfor establishing the time period during an operating cycle in which saidfirst extrusion orifice remains open.
 8. A machine according to claim 6wherein said programmed controller includes a timer for establishing thetime period during an operating cycle in which said second extrusionorifice remains open.
 9. A machine for the manufacture of an extrudedannular food product of two different foodstuffs comprising a first tankadapted to receive a supply of a first foodstuff, a second tank adaptedto receive a supply of a second foodstuff, first extruding mechanismsincluding a nozzle body having a first chamber in communication withsaid first tank to be filled with said first foodstuff and a cuttermechanism including at least a cutter disc coacting with said nozzlebody to define a radially opening first extrusion orifice, secondextruding mechanisms mounted within said nozzle body and having outerand inner concentric shell members coacting to define a second chamberwithin said first chamber and in communication with said second tank tobe filled with said second foodstuff, said shell members coacting witheach other to define a second extrusion orifice which is annular andopens radially inwardly of and generally confronts said first extrusionorifice, said shell members being positioned in said nozzle body suchthat said second extrusion orifice is substantially surrounded by saidfirst foodstuff during extrusion thereof through said first extrusionorifice and a programmed controller for selectively extruding throughsaid first and second extrusion orifices including means for commencingthe extrusion of said first foodstuff from said first extrusion orificeto partially form the elemental shape of said annular food product,means for extruding said second foodstuff from said second extrusionorifice for a predetermined time interval to introduce an annulus ofsaid second foodstuff within said elemental shape and means foractuating said cutter mechanism after a further predetermined timeinterval during which the continued extrusion of said first foodstufffrom said first extrusion orifice completes said annular food product.10. A machine according to claim 9 wherein said programmed controllerincludes a timer for establishing the time period during an operatingcycle in which said first foodstuff is extruded from said firstextrusion orifice.
 11. A machine according to claim 10 wherein saidmeans for extruding said second foodstuff includes an adjustable timerfor establishing the time period during an operating cycle in which saidsecond foodstuff is extruded from said second extrusion orifice.